1) The Bracebridge (formally known as The Boathouse)

Now the weather is sunny, this is the no 1 place to hang out in Sutton.

This is one of Birmingham’s most beautiful locations for a restaurant - if not the best. The site, which previously operated as The Boathouse, is named for the body of water it sits on in the heart of Sutton Park.

Twin brothers Scott and Steven Lewis, from Sutton Coldfield, who trained under Michel Roux Jr. at the acclaimed Le Gavroche restaurant in London, have taken over from long time owners Laurence and Fran O’Meara.

The Bracebridge in Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield.

The new Bracebridge restaurant (which is accessible on the Four Oaks side of the park) offers a 'finer style of dining' rather than fine dining - with a menu influenced by the chefs' travels around the world. Dishes include lobster gnocchi with chicken oysters, lamb tagine and seared scallops with tarka dhal.

There is also a fabulous terrace for alfresco drinking - the perfect place to enjoy a chilled beer, glass of wine or a cocktail in the summer.

There is also a separate all-day casual menu available on the terrace with comfort food choices such as tomato soup and cheese and ham toasties. And lobster and chips if you fancy!

Sutton Park, A454, Sutton Coldfield B74 2YR ( accessible from the Four Oaks side of the park

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2) Simpsons gin bar

Anne Marie Simpson of Simpson's Gin Bar. (Image: Birmingham Mail)

Did you know The Vamps lead singer Bradley Simpson co-owns a gin bar in Sutton Coldfield? Sadly when we visited, Brad was in LA but his mum Anne-Marie who manages the bar was happy to show us around. She and husband Derek Simpson have lived in the area since moving from the North East in 1993. They opened the bar in 2017.

Inside, the 50 seater venue evokes the 1920s era with a cosy decor, loungy atmosphere and a suitably jazz soundtrack as you sip your G & T. And best of all there is table service.

As well as a dazzling array of gin cocktails, there is a small plates menu to help line your stomach. If you’re looking for a perfect date place in Sutton , then look no further. And if you’re lucky, Brad might be around to serenade you!

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7a High St, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XH

3) Windowbox Cafe, Wylde Green

The Windowbox Cafe

A very good example of how Sutton can do cool and quirky.

This cute family friendly café is so-named due to the fact it’s full of windows.

This is a great place for a quick bite to eat - go for the smashed avocado on toast with bacon and poached egg. The pancakes and coffee are great too.

418 Birmingham Road, B72 1YJ

4) Pizza by Goli

Pizza by Goli on Birmingham Road

Pizza by Goli is a quaint Italian restaurant that’s been going for 30 years. The place is always packed.

When we asked the locals what they love about this place, they told us the garlic bread is heavenly!

And of course the pizzas are rather excellent too.

The menu specializes in personalised pizzas with nearly 25 different choices, from the classic margherita to their Pizza by Goli special made with mushrooms, ham, salami, green peppers, onions and a selection of other toppings.

49 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QF

5) The Bottle of Sack (Wetherspoons)

The Bottle of Sack, Sutton Coldfield (Image: Internet unknown)

The pub takes its name from lines in Shakespeare’s Henry IV. Leading his ill-equipped rabble against rebels, the fat boastful knight Falstaff tells his lieutenant “get thee before to Coventry, fill me a bottle of sack: we’ll to Sutton Co-fil tonight.”

Sack was the fashionable drink of the Tudor gentry, don't you know.

The pub is loved by locals for its good beers.

2 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QG

6) Under Pressure Espresso

Under Pressure Espresso (Image: Birmingham Mail)

Under Pressure Espresso is a great example of the thriving independent business scene here. This coffee shop is a local favourite and uses what it claims is one of the best coffee roasters in the world - Morgan Coffee Roasters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Under Pressure Espresso also sells delicious pastries which are freshly baked everyday.

23A Birmingham Road, B72 1QA

7) Brewhouse and Kitchen

This lovely pub has a dedicated master brewer on site brewing seasonal ales. You can even brew your own (vegan friendly) beer in the Brewhouse. The food is not bad either. As well as meaty classics, there are 23 vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu. Pretty impressive!

Although part of a chain, this pub also pays tribute to the magnificent history of Sutton. Look out for an IPA called Marksman that has been named “in tribute to the beautiful, young girl who saved King Henry VIII from being attacked by a wild boar and whose actions led to the Tudor Rose becoming the town’s emblem”.

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There is also a golden ale named 004 Oaks, billed as “an affectionate tribute to one-time Four Oaks resident Roger Moore”.

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8) Eleon

Eleon Greek restaurant

This family run Greek restaurant & meze bar has a menu which reflects the flavours of traditional Greek family meals.

On the mains menu go for moussaka - layers of aubergines, courgettes, potatoes & minced beef, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, served with wild oregano chips & grilled vegetables. But the meze sharing plates are the perfect choice if you're out with family and friends.

2 Maney Corner, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QL

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Sutton Coldfield green belt building

9) The Royal

The Royal Pub, Sutton Coldfield

The Royal is a gorgeous Georgian house in the town centre. The family friendly pub retains some of it's finest historical features. There is also live music every Saturday night. The menu includes burgers and pizzas and in the summer it will be offering barbecue food in the pub's gorgeous courtyard.

High Street, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B72 1UD

10) Delhi 6

Delhi 6

This is probably the best Indian restaurant in and around Sutton and one of the best in the Midlands. Delhi 6’s countless awards are proof of that.

The restaurant came out on top in the 2016 Food Awards England, where it was named Best Indian Establishment in the Midlands. It was also named Healthy Curry Provider at the English Curry Awards 2016.

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11) Bhaijaans

Mushfiqur Rahman from Bhaijaans in Sutton Coldfield won the chef of the year at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards in October 2018

Brought to you by the founders of Delhi 6, Bhaijaans Bombay Kitchen opened on Birmingham Road in 2017. It was recently awarded the prestigious National Chef of the Year award at the inaugural national Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. The food offering here is more rustic than Delhi 6.

As well as curries and dosas, there is a Bombay Plates menu. Choose from dishes including masala fish - white fish lightly spiced with ground masala and carom seeds, deep fried to a golden crispy lightness and mutton chops marinated with yoghurt, Kashmiri chilli and vinegar.

46-48 Birmingham Road, B72 1QQ

12) LVL:1

LVL:1 is accessed between Boots and The Body Shop in The Parade

LVL:1 (pronounced Level One) based in the former iBar premises in the Gracechurch Centre, opened at Christmas and is the town’s first retro video gaming bar.

Classic consoles and games include Mario Kart, Golden Eye and Streetfighter, as well as a dedicated Call of Duty shoot ‘em up area. The place aims to attract console aficionados and those new to gaming.

The new bar is dimly lit with spotlights and hanging lamps

If you fancy a super retro cool night in Sutton this is the place to go!

Unit 48, Gracechurch Shopping Centre, B72 1PA

13) Quinto Lounge

Quinto Lounge, Sutton Coldfield (Image: Antony Potts)

The quirky cafe chain Loungers opened a branch in Sutton in January 2015. Quinto is super popular with locals for its cosy home from home feel - with a few eclectic touches.

The place has a lovely vintage vibe - look out for some unique salvaged interior furnishing, including lights from a Soviet battleship. Yes really. On the menu, there is a wide selection of dishes - choose from tapas, brunch, burgers mains and salads.

On the tapas menu we recommend the delicious spinach & goat’s cheese croquettes with roasted red pepper ketchup. And we love the salad selection. Go for the hearty and delicious chicken, avocado and bacon salad, like we did. Simply gorgeous.

21- 23 Birmingham Road, B72 1QA

14) Migas Tapas and Wine Bar

Leonidas (Leo) Mouzakitis of Migas Tapas and Wine Bar.

Emma Yufera-Ruiz who owns the successful El Borracho de Oro in Edgbaston returned to her old hood to open Migas - housed in her former Don Diego restaurant.

The Iberico ham is freshly carved by hand just like in Spain. This is a crucial part of the Spanish wine bar atmosphere and Migas has it in abundance.

General Manager Leo Mouzakitis told us: "Here, people are much more familiar with the Spanish tapas style of eating as quite a few people in Sutton, have homes in Spain - so they appreciate a more traditional menu. "

Sutton Coldfield green belt building

15) The Station

The Station is you guessed it - conveniently located right by Sutton Coldfield train station. It offers popular comedy nights as well as weekly Wednesday quizzes. The place has a great beer garden.

44 Station Street, B73 6AT

16) Molloy's

Inside Molloys (Image: Birmingham Mail)

This is a down to earth drinking hole and party place in the centre of the city centre. Enjoy pool, darts, live bands, pub quiz and karaoke.

There's also a wide choice of craft and cask beers.

General Manager Paul Letson told us: "Our loyal customers who call themselves ‘Molloyal’s’ have been with us forty years and now their children visit us. Parents know we offer a safe environment at our big party nights."

Gracechurch Shopping Centre, B72 1PH

17) Bodega Cantina

Bodega Cantina in Sutton Coldfield

A taste of South America came to Sutton Coldfield in March 2018. Bodega Cantina is a colourful addition to the town's Restaurant Quarter.

There is a lot of fun fiesta inspired artwork on the walls and the food menu includes nachos, burritos and quesadillas. The 77 cover eatery also has a big bar area - perfect for those who want to just drop in for a margarita or caiprinha.

26 Birmingham Road, B72 1QG

18) The Three Tuns

The Three Tuns pub, Sutton Coldfield

Dating back to the early 16th century, The Three Tuns was the oldest hostelry in Sutton Coldfield - then known as the Three Tuns Hotel. As well as being the oldest pubs in Brum, it is one of the best.

Famous for hosting some great live music (on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays) it also has a impressive selection of ales. A fab weekend haunt.

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And for chill out play days..

19) New Hall Spa and Hotel

New Hall Hotel as it looks today. (Image: Turley Heritage)

New Hall Hotel is a 800-year-old moated country estate in Sutton Coldfield. There is a gorgeous lilly filled moat round the hotel. The venue may be historic but the spa is one of the most fashionable around. And it does a wonderful afternoon tea. Locals and visitors alike love chilling out here.

Walmley Road, Sutton Coldfield B76 1QX

20 ) Sutton Park

Plans to introduce daily car parking charges at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield have met with fierce opposition with thousands signing a petition in protest

Sutton Park is a mammoth 2,400 acre National Nature Reserve, one of the largest urban parks in Europe. There are several separate lakes as well as marshes,woodlands and wetlands inside the park.

It is home to The Wyndley Leisure Centre which includes a 33-metre swimming pool. And let's not forget a restaurant with the best views in Birmingham - The Bracebridge as mentioned above.